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Nancy Simpson's LIVING ABOVE THE FROST LINE, New and Selected Poems was published by Carolina Wren Press (N.C. Laureate Series, 2010.) She is the author of ACROSS WATER and NIGHT STUDENT, State Street Press, still available on WWW at Alibris and Books Again. Her poems have been published in Southern Poetry Review, Prairie Schooner, The Georgia Review and other literary magazines. "Carolina Bluebirds" was published in THE POETS GUIDE TO THE BIRDS, Anhinga Press). "Grass" was reprinted in the 50th Anniversary Issue of Southern Poetry Review: DON'T LEAVE HUNGRY ( U.of Arkansas Press.) Seven poems were reprinted in the textbook, SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN POETRY,(McFarland.) Two poems were published in SOLO CAFE, Two more poems were published in SOLO NOVO."In the Nantahala Gorge" was published in Pisgah Review. "Studying Winter" was reprinted in Pirene's Fountain Anthology and "The Collection" in Collecting Life Anthology. Most recently, Southern Poetry Review Edited by James Smith, published "Our Great Depression," and The Southern Poetry Anthology Vol. VII: NORTH CAROLINA,Edited by William Wright, reprinted "Leaving in the Dead of Winter."

Friday, October 7, 2011

LEAF LOOKERS. IT'S TIME.


 Leaf Peak is just days away, maybe ten days away, beautiful now, and getting to be knock-your-eyes-out gorgeous. 
It’s time to make the plan, time to fill the gas tank of the car, and grab the camera, grab the baby. Everyone goes.  
My viewpoint is the Southern Appalachian Mountains in the far western North Carolina mountains near Murphy, Hayesville, Franklin and on toward Sylva, Waynesville, and Asheville. Drive east or dive west. It honestly does not matter. On October 7th, the foliage is mostly green,but one has to say, "The leaves are changing before our eyes."
Today, it is a beautiful drive from Hayesville toward Franklin. Other out of the way rides will be magical in the weeks to come.  
Someone came to my house yesterday and said, “It’s just not all that pretty this year.” How can anyone say that? If not this ridge, look yonder to that ridge. You cannot miss it if you open your eyes.
(Below. See photos taken Oct.6th on my property and throughout the region.)



And please do not think you have missed it if there is a reason you cannot drive forth now. From now until the 7th of November, you will see beautifully colored leaves. Even beyond "peak" you will an amazing ridge here and a brilliant ridge there.
Visitors to Western North Carolina’s mountains can look forward to a vibrant display of color this autumn, predicts Kathy Gould Mathews, Western Carolina University’s fearless fall foliage forecaster.


Graveyard Fields

Grandfather Mountain












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